THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
SYNOPSIS
Falstaff is low on cash – it’s time to get seducing, but it’s the women who’ll be taking him for a ride. Comic plots and farcical tricks ensue as the Merry Wives teach Falstaff a lesson, or three.
Breakaway’s fourth annual outdoor production was of Shakespeare’s bawdy comedy of love, marriage jealousy and revenge. Misunderstandings, practical trickery, plots and plans abound as Falstaff goes unsuspectingly about his scheme to seduce two wealthy women of Windsor. Along the way a husband loses his wits to irrational jealousy, and stubborn parents frustrate young lovers as they attempt to match their daughter to ludicrous suitors.
With original music composed by graduates of Manchester University Music Dept, and a tasty menu at the Inn on the park, even torrential rain could not dampen the spirits of the dedicated cast, crew and audience!
Breakaway Theatre enjoyed working with local Theatre Director Dawn Hudson, who had recently won three awards for her directing at the Welwyn Drama Festival (Adjudicator’s award) and the Welwyn Youth Drama Festival (First Place and Adjudicator’s Award) for her production of ‘Just’ with The BYTE.
The Merry Wives of Windsor is the most purely farcical of all of Shakespeare’s plays and includes lies, love and laughter.
Breakaway Theatre Company performed Shakespeare’s ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ on Thurs 20th – Sat 22nd and Thurs 27th – Sat 29th July 2017 at the Inn on the Park, St. Albans.
CAST
In order of appearance:
Clare Waller – Shallow
Jon Baker – Slender
Simon Ellis – Hugh Evans
Lee Wilkinson – Master Page
John Kensett – John Falstaff
Lesley Cowland – Nym
David Martin – Pistol
Hannah Barnes – Anne Page
Abigail Giles – Mistress Page
Liz Mills – Mistress Ford
Becci Hurst – Simple
Vicki Harris – Host/John
Jill Davies – Host/John
Anne Hollis – Mistress Quickly
Owen Davies – Rugby
Graeme Shaw – Dr Caius
Gerard Kelly – Fenton
Mark Snelling – Master Ford
Milo Nixon – Robin/Fairy
Joshy Toogood-Davis – Fairy/Robin
Directed by Dawn Hudson
Stage Manager – Natasha Inglis
Sound & Lighting – Shelley Healy
